Picnic-Inspired Wedding Ideas

Picnic-Inspired Wedding Ideas

On the morning of this couple's wedding day, the groom packed a picnic breakfast and met his sweetheart by the Potomac River for a morning rendezvous. Since the event wasn’t until that evening, the couple decided to make the most of their time together.

Pink and Poppy Cake

Pink and poppy can be used throughout a picnic wedding or at your shower. Bright sugar poppies are planted atop a cake iced in blush-colored buttercream by Sylvia Weinstock. The linen runner, napkins, and grosgrain ribbon play up the scheme. Stand, Frances Palmer Pottery.

Fresh and Simple Fare

Serve classic picnic staples, dialed up a notch. Package everything separately, in glass, glassine, or paper, so it will stay fresh for several hours; this also lets guests eat neatly out of hand.

Choose a crusty bread for the sandwiches that won't get soggy, and use leakproof canning jars for a tomato and mozzarella salad. Tie disposable bamboo utensils for your hungry guests to a linen napkin with ribbon.

Meal for One

Backyard Buffet

A simple dessert buffet is a festive end to an alfresco meal. Make the star your wedding cake, and ask family and friends to pitch in a few baked goods to round out the display. Fabric draped over tree branches will keep the sun away.

Ikat and French Silk Ribbon Cake

The spirit of a century-old French silk ribbon can be felt in every bite of this darling cake. On top rests a dramatic bow of molded gum paste (so realistic, you'll be tempted to untie it). An edible luster dust was mixed with lemon extract and then painted onto the fondant in a rose pattern that evokes the blurry quality of an ikat weave.